Archive for February, 2008
-->
Feb
28
Posted by Larry Cragun
Weekend Adventure…………
Click the button to view a charming exhibit from the NW Flower and Garden show. Issaquah’s Steve Haizlip was the creator. His website is www.newleafcreations.com and the phone number is 425-766-2277. email steve@newleafcreations.com.
This is a very natural inspiring design that makes me want to go camping, almost! If I could just find a place like that, and had one of those teardrop trailers.
I guess places like that have to be created not found. Steve can do that.
Tags: new+leaf+creations
Share
-->
Feb
26
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
The Northwest Flower and Garden Show was held at the Seattle Convention Center Feb 20-24. This was the 20th year and is considered one of, if not the best Garden Show in the US. The founder and chairman is Duane Kelly, who along with his wife, Alice went out on a limb (no pun intended) to bring the first garden show to pass. They risked their home to pay for the first one. They have survived and florished and now also run the San Francisco Flower & Garden Show. We all come back because we love the show. Here are some of my favorites this year.
THE PACIFIC CONNECTIONS DISPLAY GARDEN: This display depicts the horticultural connections between five temperate-climate regions on the Pacific Rim. Cascadia, Chili, New Zealand, Australia, and China. There are plantings to make viewers aware of the origins of some of their favorite garden plants. These are grouped around a floor map of the Pacific Rim. The Red cedar columns mark the regions represented by the plantings. The totem like columns are recycled from damaged trees from the Arboretum. Of special interest to Issaquah residents, they were designed and carved by the Pomegranate Center with help from community volunteers. www.wparboretum.org
THE FLORAL COMPETITION: I don’t know who won this year but I would have picked this one.
INFINITY IN YOUR HAND: Creator Puget Sound Bonsai Association, Designer Jamie Wright NCARB The scultural, timeless beauty of Bonsai is greatly enhanced by this beautiful combination of their creations. www.psba.us
WEEKEND ADVENTURE: Creator New Leaf Creations, Inc Designer Steve Haizlip. New Leaf is a local Issaquah company. We will post more on this display. Contact info is 425-766-2277, email info @newleafcreations.com, Website www.newleafcreations.com.
??? SORRY, I don’t know which display this was in, but I would love to relax in this spot.
OUTDOOR HAVEN – KICK OFF YOUR SHOES: Creator, Under the Arbor Landscape Design & Complete Landscape Inc. www.underthearborlandscape.com
Great Gates Alive! I wish a had a place for gates like these.
DREAMS REALLY CAN COME TRUE: Creator, Falling Water Designs, Designer Rick Perry www.fallingwaterdesigns.com
Rock Artist, John Dunton of On the Rocks Studio www.ontherockssculpture.com
LIVING IT UP: For city dwellers garden appetite. Three different ideas. 1. Metro-Retro, Creator Emery’s Garden www.emerysgarden.com Designers- Amy R. Tullis, Scott Arend, Debra Jordan Smith 2.Urban Oasis, Creator Wight’s Home & Garden www.wights.com Designer- Mark Dudas 3.Recycle, Reuse, Renew, Creator Plantswoman Design, Inc. www.plantswomandesign.com Designer Susan Calhoun
PLANT MARKET: This makes me wish I had arrived with a semi-truck to take tons of plants home. On second thought, I don’t think that many would fit on my deck.
DOODADS FOR THE YARD – LUCCA STATUARY Great Finds www.luccastatuary.com Two locations in Seattle.
There were many more than 10 great things, it was a hard choice. Another post will show you other important messages from the show. Stay tuned or in other words keep checking our blog.
Share
-->
Feb
25
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
I don’t know about you but this year I am really, really tired of winter. When the Northwest Flower and Garden Show arrives it lifts my spirits and I know spring and summer are not far behind. Maybe the ground hog saw his shadow but I really don’t care, I’ll take all these sunny days we are having even if short lived.
This year there are a number of Issaquah participants in the show in various capacities. In the next few posts I will try to aquaint you with some of them. If I miss any, please comment and tell me about ones I’ve missed.
Share
-->
Feb
23
Posted by Larry Cragun
Currently there are 289 homes for sale in Issaquah: 229 are less than 1 million dollars.
The chart belows show the statistics by price bracket and includes average days on market.
| Active |
| Listing Price Range |
Quantity |
Average DOM |
|
| $300,000 thru $349,999 |
2 |
42 |
|
| $350,000 thru $399,999 |
9 |
65 |
|
| $400,000 thru $449,999 |
10 |
62 |
|
| $450,000 thru $499,999 |
26 |
67 |
|
| $500,000 thru $549,999 |
19 |
64 |
|
| $550,000 thru $599,999 |
32 |
64 |
|
| $600,000 thru $649,999 |
21 |
131 |
|
| $650,000 thru $699,999 |
33 |
92 |
|
| $700,000 thru $749,999 |
14 |
83 |
|
| $750,000 thru $799,999 |
22 |
84 |
|
| $800,000 thru $849,999 |
10 |
115 |
|
| $850,000 thru $899,999 |
11 |
122 |
|
| $900,000 thru $949,999 |
7 |
61 |
|
| $950,000 thru $999,999 |
13 |
118 |
|
| |
229 |
85 |
|
|
Tags: statistics, issaquah, real+estate
Share
-->
Feb
21
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
YYYYUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMM!
This is not your Mom’s Pies. This is Pies as in PIZZA! This is not your ordinary, boring pizza ( If pizza can be boring). These are World Class Pizza’s. We had been waiting for this restaurant to open, checking each day as we knew it was close. Last night was the first night open to the public, and we went early with some friends. This was really strategic (accidently) because we got to sample a number of pizzas since we ordered different ones.
We were guided in our choices by Kyra Witt, a very knowledgeable about food waitperson, (we suspect she’s a chef in disguise) Larry was in an adventurous mood (with a little prodding from me) and ordered the Marrakesh Express, which is embellished with Moroccan spiced lamb sausage, cumin-scented tomato sauce, roasted eggplant, garbanzo beans, currants and green olives. Drizzled with a sprightly Harissa-Yogurt sauce. He was glad he ordered it, and is ready to go back for more and for the Italiano Supremo, a supreme meat lovers pie.
Our friend Frank, ordered the Caribbean Jerk, described on the menu as…Ya, mahn..you’re no jerk for loving this islander gem. Roast chicken arranged on a smear of tangy-sweet jerk tomato sauce and accompanied by oven-roasted pineapple and onion slivers, green bell pepper and tomato. Served with Mango Chutney for spreading and dipping. I loved it.
The Italian Queen is similar to a classic Margherita but different, fresh tomato, mozzarella, basil, dollops of basil pesto. Sprinkled with Parmesan. This was my favorite (so far).
Other pizza offering are numerous and include Chicken Curry, Formaggi Bianco, El Greco, Falafel, Oaxacan Mole, etc, etc, ideas from all over the world.
The Pizza Piccola is for the less adventurous and kids, Red Roma sauce and cheese. There were lots of kids that seemed to be enjoying the food.
They have two house soups every day plus a variety of good salad choices and Made-To-Order Flatbread.
Last but not least, was the dessert menu. We were all so stuffed we shared one, the Lemon Riviera, it was superb both in its presentation and its taste. A very unusual dessert. And they do have chocolate!
Owner Matt Snook has garnered the necessary assistance, expertise and spent nearly a year developing the excellent menu and the concept of his World Pies. It promises to be a great success.
World Pies is located in Issaquah Highlands at 2525 NE Park Dr #A, the south Starpoint Building. 425-392-6099. Hours are 5:00pm to 10:00pm. The adjoining 9 Bar Espresso is open 7:00am to 10:00pm.
Share
-->
Feb
19
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Kirkland has long been a favorite destination of art lovers with a plethora of galleries and restaurants and activities bringing people from all over to their city. While Kirkland has been experiencing disappearing galleries and a loss of vibrancy in the arts, Issaquah is emerging as the premier art destination on the Eastside. In the summer things are really swinging but there is no need to wait. Plenty of art action is at UP Front [art] this Thursday night, February 21st 5:00 pm to 8:00 pm. They are located on Front Street (of course). 48 Front Street North (to be exact) Issaquah, WA 98027 425-996-8553.
Glass art, paintings, photography, sculpture, fiber art and much more are waiting to be discovered. These are local artists who have formed a co-op and every third thursday night of each month, they don’t just show you their art, they show you how it is done!
Artists will bring paints, palettes, pliers, saws, burins, stones and other tools and materials along with their talents and expertise. They will share and demonstrate their techniques. Maybe they will even let you try it!?
Join in the fun and see the Artists in Action.
See our Restaurants in Issaquah list if you are hungry for food and art. There are many to choose from.
Share
-->
Feb
18
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Want to know more, see an article on a unique idea in Issaquah Highlands Click on it.
Share
-->
Feb
16
Posted by Larry Cragun
Issaquah is a great place to live. However, we have had many clients that ended up having us take them to a less expensive market to meet their financial objectives.
The advantages to Issaquah are many, we hope this website and the Issaquah Undressed blog gives you a clear picture as to why. Often the convenience to work is the reason.
So what are the best next options? Maple Valley seems to be a common next choice. Driving to the eastside isn’t all that bad, even during rush hours. There are a lot of great neighborhoods in Maple Valley, even into Auburn.
Today I came across another option I like. It is a new condo development off of Coal Creek Parkway. It is called The Approach At Newcastle. It is accessed off a nice quiet road near the QFC. The seting is quiet, it has a shared underground parking garage. The secure, underground parking turns out to be one of my favorite parts of where we now live. The Approach at Newcastle is being marketed by MCM Marketing. I could show it to you, or you could get great help by the site managers, Danita Jolly and Deana Hawes.
It seems to me that the Approach at Newcastle offers one fo the best home values on the Eastside.
And to top it off, it is just down the street from The Golf Club at Newcastle.
Click the map to make it interactive
Tags: Newcastle, The+Approach, Eastside+Condo
Share
-->
Feb
15
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Hilton Garden Inn, 1800 NW Gilman Blvd, 98027 ………………………. 425-837-3600 www.seattleissaquah.stayhgi.com
Holiday Inn of Issaquah, 1801 12th Ave NW, 98027 …………………. 425-392-6421 www.holiday-inn.com/sea-issaquah
Motel 6, 1885 15th Pl NW, 98027 ……………………………………………………. 425-392-8405 www.motel6.com
It has been announced that a new Marriott Hotel will be built in Issaquah Highlands. We will let you know more when we know more!
Share
-->
Feb
13
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
I have been wracking my brain to come up with a good Valentine for Lar. I drove by Hayes Nursery last night and they had this flying out front. I went in today to see if they had these for sale, but darn, they just put this one out for Valentines Day. They haven’t been able to get them anymore.
So, this is my Valentine to my husband Larry. Many people think that because his avatar is a spider he is a scary person, not so. He is a sweetheart. He is kind, honest, helpful and brave. He makes me laugh every day! His only addictions are blogging and entrepreneurealism (is that a word?).
Also this Valentine did not cost me anything. I have been accused of being a skinflint (a totally unfounded accusation). This leaves more money for him to take me out to dinner! I have decided that is HIS gift to me!
Lar, Love Ya tons, your wife, Kathleen 
I have posted this early so all men out there will remember tommorow is Valentines Day!
Share
-->
Feb
12
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Today looked like an almost spring day. It was warmer and even sunshiny in the morning, so we drove around to see what was new and interesting in Issaquah. These are a few of our findings.
Cute houses on 11th Ave NE, Vista Park
Timber Ridge in Talus
Rainier Parc Condominiums in downtown Issaquah
Grand Ridge Drive is taking shape
West Highlands Park getting started
Watch for more on these areas
Share
-->
Feb
11
Posted by Larry Cragun
My suggestion, if so, give him or her the boot. Deal with an agent that really knows the local market. With the market taking a dip agents are either getting out, getting desperate, or getting ready. The agent that is willing to drive to Bellingham to serve you is probably in the throws of getting out, may be for sure getting desperate.
I was doing some Google searches using real estate terms. I found an agent that was very high in the Issaquah results. Then I went to studying how Debbie was doing with Federal way undressed on Google. This is what I noticed on both areas front page in Google: This agent has a network that is Google Friendly. The problem is the market in Lake Stevens is different that Federal Way. Stay with a local agent, be served much better.
Tags: real+estate, agents
Share
-->
Feb
08
Posted by Larry Cragun
Don’t go east to Snoqualmie pass, man or woman, it is closed.
If these aren’t enough to convince you
Maybe this one will, some cameras have been hit by an avalanche.
Going West to Seattle looks much better.
Check the links on the right if you want to get to these cams live.
Share
-->
Feb
08
Posted by Larry Cragun
Several have recently asked me if rates have come down enough to warrant a refi of their jumbo mortgage loan. The answer until now has been probably not.
That is changing as the Senate just signed off on the new and TEMPORARY increased limits for jumbo loans.
The amount of your loan to be at a conventional rate and underwriting will very soon be increased. Currently the maximum for conventional is $417,000. In our market the increase will probably be $730,000. This should cover a lot of you.
The interest-rate gap between “jumbo” loans above the $417,000 limit and “conforming” loans below it has been stubbornly high for months. Last week it was close to a full percentage point, compared with 0.2 percentage point in July, according to financial publisher HSH Associates. via The Associated Press
I recommend you start now to get that refi going. The huge layoffs in the industry have most banks very thinly staffed to handle a glut of business.
We list on this website our favorite loan officers and one who has his own company we recommend.
Tags: jumbo, mortgage, rates
Share
-->
Feb
06
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
The Hilton Garden Inn is fairly new in Issaquah. They have a restaurant called The Great American Grill. We had a friend visiting from out of town and we wanted to find a place where we could talk AND listen, but we wanted good food too. Our friend was staying at the Hilton so it was kind of a no brainer and very convenient.
We had not been to the Hilton Garden Inn since it opened. The atmosphere is very nice, homey feeling (they have fresh cookies at the front desk)!
Very clever rug designs adorn the entry and lounging area.
In the restaurant there were many good choices to choose from. Mediterranean Talapia baked in olive oil & garlic with olives, capers, oregano and half cherry tomatoes was Larry’s choice. I chose a Talapia special that was served with a lemon sauce. Our friend had Baked Salmon on a red cedar plank with Ginger – Maple glaze. All had the choice of risotto cake, garlic mashed potatoes or baked potatoes. The risotto cakes were grilled just until browned and were delicious, as were the potatoes. We seemed to all be in a fish mood, but there are also many meaty meals. The presentation of the food was beautifully and artistically done.
If you wanted to go more casual there were pizzas, pastas and some interesting salad choices, such as the Tumbleweed Salad – romaine, avocado, bacon, blue cheese, egg and tomato with Shallot Chili dressing.
Of course we had to try the Molten Chocolate Cake for dessert and the Apple Pie.
They have a breakfast buffet that starts a 6:00 am. The service was fine, we were happy about our choice and will go back again.
The hotel has all the amenities you want, fitness center, pool, meeting rooms, wireless and the rooms have a refrigerator and a microwave. I always appreciate that.
The Hilton Garden Inn is located at 1800 NW Gilman Blvd, Issaquah, WA 98027. The telephone number is 425-837-3600.
Share
-->
Feb
06
Posted by Kathleen Cragun
Things are beginning to take shape in the retail area of IH. 9 Bar Espresso is OPEN.
They were very generous the day they opened. The pastries they expected didn’t arrive so the espresso was free! There will be many delicious items to grab for breakfast, some unusual ones.
9 Bar Espresso is in the Starpoint South building. 25th Ave NE & Park Ave Issaquah, WA 98029
Share
-->
Feb
05
Posted by Larry Cragun
Click The HomeSearch Button and pick your favorite neighborhood. The setting is on Issaquah but the map can be used for any NW MLS area. Searching by neighborhoods is a popular method of searching.
Share
-->
Feb
04
Posted by Larry Cragun
Several days ago rates plummeted. However, only for a few hours. Many crafty and not so honorable mortgage companies hit the air waves, the radio waves, to tout the new rates. The only problem, before the day was over rates had climbed multiple times. Interest rates fluctuate, sometimes even through the day.
So now we have these jokers advertising old and out of date rates,even today. YUK! Don’t do business with those who bait you and try to hook you in. It will end up as a disappointing bait and switch.
Share
-->
Feb
04
Posted by Larry Cragun
Take A look, traffic is moving. 
If you are planning on heading for Snoqualmie Pass you should note how cold the temperature is. Perhaps you could stop and vacation in sunny Issaquah. For more Snoqualmie Pass information go to Snoqualmie Pass Undressed.
Tags: snoqualmie+pass, issaquah, weather
Share
-->
Feb
04
Posted by Larry Cragun
To be more specific, if you were speaking to a large group of professionals, engineer types, about real estate and mortgages, what topics would you cover?
That is my challenge next week. Now I have my thoughts prepared, but it hit me that I might be wiser to have your input. Who knows, I might tear my notes up and use what you suggest.
FYI, I have considered discussing Blue Fin, Zorro, the Skyhook Theory, reasons to sell your home yourself, or with a discount realtor. I have considered taking on the bubble bloggers, those 20 somethings that are waiting for the market to crash so they can buy and flip.
I do think I need your help.HELP!
Lar
Tags: bubble+bloggers, real+estate, mortgages
Share
